An overflow crowd led by Mayor Thomas Menino, state Rep. Brian Wallace, and Non-Profit Association President Bryan Van Dorpe paid tribute to Joe Rull on Monday evening, November 21. Rull had spent four years in the Mayor's office as South Boston's Coordinator of Neighborhood Services, before joining Massport in September.

     His performance as Coordinator earned him praise from all of the individuals and groups he dealt with. Mayor Menino said of Rull, "You always answered the call - you're special to South Boston." Rep. Brian Wallace said, "Joe has been referred to as young Dodo Nee - high praise indeed." Helen Allix, speaking for the South Boston Association of Non-Profits, said, "Joe, you were always there for us. Now we're here for you." Rull also received gifts and citations from state Sen. Jack Hart, the South Boston Chamber of Commerce, and his friends and mentors, Michael Kineavy and Anthony Gilardi.

     As he began his own remarks, Rull was visibly affected by the outpouring of gratitude. He devoted his remarks to thanking all those who helped him along the way and those who supported him in the Mayor's office. At the end of the ceremony, Joe Rull received a prolonged and well-deserved standing ovation.